Yes, the key to writing a CV for a job in 2026 is to tailor your CV to the specific job description, not to use a generic document. The most effective CVs are laser-focused on the role and company. I’ve seen too many candidates send out the same CV for a dozen different positions and wonder why they hear nothing back.
Start by carefully reading the job description. Highlight the keywords—specific skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. Then, mirror that language in your CV. For example, if the job asks for “project management experience,” don’t just say “managed projects.” Instead, write: “Led a cross-functional team of 5 to deliver a $200K project on time and under budget, resulting in a 15% increase in operational efficiency.” Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts to show impact.
Structure your CV using a clean, reverse-chronological format. This is the most recruiter-friendly layout. Start with a professional summary that states your value proposition in 2-3 sentences. Then, list your relevant work experience, followed by education and key skills. Use bullet points, not paragraphs, to make it scannable. A recruiter spends an average of 6–7 seconds scanning a CV initially, so clarity is everything.
Finally, avoid common pitfalls. Don’t include a photo, your age, marital status, or a full address—this is not standard in most English-speaking countries and can invite bias. Keep your CV to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience, and two pages maximum for more senior roles. Here’s a quick comparison of what works and what doesn’t:
| Do This | Avoid This |
|---|
| Use action verbs: “Achieved,” “Developed,” “Implemented” | Use passive language: “Was responsible for” |
| Tailor each CV to the job description | Send the same generic CV to every role |
| Quantify results: “Increased sales by 20%” | Be vague: “Helped improve sales” |
| Include a professional summary | Include an objective statement about what you want |
| Save as PDF unless instructed otherwise | Use Word documents that format differently on other devices |
